How much life insurance do military servicemembers need? What about military spouses? Is SGLI enough?

In this episode, Spencer Reese and Jamie sit down with Jerry Quinn, a 40-year Army veteran and executive at Armed Forces Mutual (formerly AAFMAA - American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association), to discuss everything military families need to know about life insurance.

SGLI (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance)

• Understanding the $500,000 term policy for service members
• Spouse coverage rider ($100,000)
• Coverage for Guard and Reserve members
• What happens to SGLI after military separation

Life Insurance Planning Strategies

• The DIME-L method for calculating coverage needs:
  • Debt
  • Income replacement
  • Mortgage
  • Education
  • Legacy
• "10x income" rule of thumb
• Stacking multiple insurance policies for comprehensive coverage
• Term vs. whole life insurance considerations

Armed Forces Mutual Services

• No war clause or aviation clause coverage
• Survivor Assistance Services (SAS) program
• Death claim processing (often under 30 days)
• Special 501(c)(23) nonprofit status

Transition Planning

• When to apply for life insurance before leaving military service
• Health considerations and timing
• Converting from SGLI to civilian coverage

• Armed Forces Mutual Website: AAFMAA.com
• Military Survivor Planning Checklist (available with free subscription)
• Life Insurance Calculators (on AAFMAA website)
• Career Accession Program (CAP) Loan: $5,000 at 2.5% fixed rate for 60 months

• Daniel Kopp, CFP: Wise Stewardship Financial Planning
  • Specialist in military widow/widower financial planning
  • Military to Financial Planner Podcast
• Military Aid Societies:
  • Army Emergency Relief Society
  • Air Force Aid Society
  • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
  • Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

• SGLI is an excellent deal at ~$30/month for $500,000 coverage
• Many military families need supplemental life insurance beyond SGLI
• Apply for additional coverage 6-12 months before military separation
• Update beneficiary designations regularly
• Armed Forces Mutual provides specialized support for Gold Star families

Jerry Quinn served 40 years in the U.S. Army (7 years active duty, 33 years National Guard), retiring as a Field Artillery Officer in June 2025. He now serves as an executive at Armed Forces Mutual, a 146-year-old organization exclusively serving military and veteran families with specialized life insurance products and survivor assistance services.

Armed Forces Mutual

• Website: AAFMAA.com
• Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram (@armedforcesmutual)
• Subscribe for free resources and calculators

Hosts:

• Spencer
• Jamie

For those needing immediate assistance with military survivor benefits and life insurance claims, Armed Forces Mutual's Survivor Assistance Services team provides comprehensive support including VA claims coordination, DFAS benefit reconciliation, and burial assistance guidance.

Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor

Over 19,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3

In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card.

• https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/

• https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/

Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3

If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com.

Want to be confident with your TSP investing? Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE!

If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.

From seven-month sabbaticals to turning a hobby into a thriving side business, Justin Peters from the FI Minded Podcast shares how dialing back work can supercharge your career, creativity, and financial freedom.

• Part-time work and mini sabbaticals
• Recognizing burnout and funding a seven-month break
• Differentiating sabbatical versus mini retirement
• Logistics: nest egg size, remote options, healthcare planning
• Optionality and financial independence mindset
• Dual-track strategy: accumulate wealth and improve life in tandem
• CoastFi and SlowFi as flavors of the 25x rule
• Pulling back on work without derailing long-term goals
• Turning a podcast hobby into a side hustle
• Initial struggles with audio editing and finding a partner
• Leveraging serendipity, referrals, and niche communities
• Advising small business owners: start with five imperfect episodes
• Intentional time off

• Avoiding passive downtime—set routines for hobby and health
• First two-week recovery period, then structured creative blocks
• Sharing your plan: scripts for family and friends
• Networking and community building
• FinCon conference connections
• Toastmasters for public-speaking confidence and lasting bonds
• Online FI communities and Facebook groups for accountability
• Military-friendly breaks
• Career Intermission Program: up to 36 months and healthcare continuity depending on your branch of service
• Guard and Reserve options to maintain benefits and part-time earnings

• Justin's FI Minded podcast (search on any podcast player)
  • Episode 171: gifting and donations with Spencer Reese
  • Episode 170: living a FI life without a FI bank account
  • Episode 142: Jillian Johnsrud on mini retirements
• Toastmasters International: https://www.toastmasters.org

Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor

Over 19,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3

In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card.

• https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/

• https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/

Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3

If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com.

Want to be confident with your TSP investing? Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE!

If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.

Feeling confident in your research but stalled when it comes to taking action on your military family's financial plan? From TSP questions to credit card strategies, this episode explains how an hour with a dedicated coach can transform hesitation into clear, personalized next steps.

• Defining financial coaching vs. advisory services

  • No sales pitches, no commissions, no product upsells
  • Confidential, unbiased guidance tailored to your goals

• Who benefits most

  • Active duty, Guard, Reserve, military spouses, cadets, midshipmen
  • Dual-military couples, high-net-worth families, soon-to-commission officers

• Typical coaching session structure

  • Pre-call questionnaire to customize the conversation
  • One-hour call via Google Meet 
  • Post-call recap email with transcript and bullet-pointed action steps

• Sample coaching topics

  • TSP vs. traditional/Roth IRA decisions
  • Career starter loan considerations
  • Financial therapy: uncovering money scripts and spending habits
  • Helping improve communication with your spouse around money
  • Credit card strategies, MLA/SCRA protections, maximizing points redemptions
  • State tax benefits and Military Spouse Residency Relief Act

• Booking details and logistics

  • Schedule via Calendly at militarymoneymanual.com/mentor
  • One-time fee ($150 currently as of time of recording), no recurring charges,
  • Full refund if not valuable
  • Option to be referred to military-friendly CFP network if needed such as Military Financial Advisors Association (MFAA) or Military Tax Experts Alliance

• https://militarymoneymanual.com/mentor
• https://hellonectarine.com/r/military
• https://militaryfinancialadvisors.org
• https://militarymoneymanual.com/UMC3

Stop second-guessing and start implementing your financial plan today.

Book your one-hour military money mentor session today and walk away with a clear roadmap to your goals.

Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE!

If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email [email protected].

If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com.

I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

Wondering how to unlock premium travel perks and avoid annual fees while serving on Active Duty, the Guard, Reserves? Or maybe you’re a military spouse and curious if you qualify for the same protections and waivers? This episode dives deep into the ins and outs of MLA and SCRA protections, credit card strategies, and maximizing those free hotel nights and points.

• Spencer's article explaining MLA Database
• MLA Database Lookup
• SCRA Request Page – Amex
• Mentorship with Spencer & Jamie

For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call.

Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE!

If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email [email protected].

If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com.

I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

Remember when you were spooked by April’s market dip? Spencer and Jamie unpack how to discuss your feelings of panic this past April, stay calm, stick to your investing philosophy, and make smart moves post-crisis.

Key Takeaways:

• The S&P 500 dropped 19%, sparking fear, but headlines thrive on panic.
• Debriefing your emotional response helps clarify your strategy.
• Automate contributions to reduce emotional decision-making.
• Now’s the time to create or revise your personal investing philosophy and asset allocation.
• You don't actually "lose" money unless you sell your shares when they're down.
• Long-term success comes from consistency, not reaction.

Action Steps:

• Reflect: How did you feel during the downturn?
• Write down your investing philosophy.
• Automate TSP/Roth IRA contributions and delete trading apps.

For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call.

Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE!

If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email [email protected].

If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com.

I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

If you've ever felt torn between soaking up life now and securing your future, you're not alone.

In this episode, we explore what it really means to invest in “future you” and how to do it without sacrificing everything you love today. Whether you’re a beginner or behind on savings, the best time to start is today.

• The Saver vs. Spender Dynamic

• Compound Interest Explained

• Retirement is More Than Just Money or a Pension

• Understanding the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

• Insight from the FIRE Movement

• Saving Gives You Options

• Reverse Budgeting Strategy

• Reducing Financial Stress

• Communication

For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call.

Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE!

If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email [email protected].

If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com.

I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

Carol and Ken didn’t just imagine a life beyond the military- they designed one. In just four years, they transformed from brand-new ensigns with zero TSP contributions into self-made millionaires. 

In this episode, we'll unpack the financial strategy, discipline, and teamwork that helped them achieve Lean FIRE (financial independence, retire early) before 30—all while navigating dual military careers and deployments. They get real about:

• Starting from scratch: Misconceptions about TSP, military pay issues, and their humble financial beginnings
• Mindset over mechanics: Why a simple strategy, applied consistently, beats fancy budgeting tools
• Sacrifice and simplicity: Living close to base, biking to work, and even having a 60% savings rate
• Lean FIRE: How they hit $800k in just four years and what came next
• Building a values-based lifestyle: From toddler chaos to travel goals and making intentional choices
• Tools & tactics: How they used Excel, anti-budgets, and communication to streamline finances
• Carol's book: Raising Your Money-Savvy Family for Next Generation Financial Independence co-authored with her dad, Doug Nordman

🔗 Links Mentioned

• Raising Your Money-Savvy Family for Next Generation Financial Independence by Carol Pittner & Doug Nordman (ask for it at your local library)

For a limited time, Spencer and Jamie are offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call.

Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE!

If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email [email protected].

If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com.

I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

Spencer and Jamie break down all the major updates to the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card and why military families should still consider it their top travel rewards card despite the annual fee increase to $795.

Military Benefits That Make This Card a No-Brainer:

• How the Military Lending Act (MLA) waives the $795 annual fee for active duty, Guard, Reserve (on 30+ day orders), and military spouses
• Why the $300 flexible travel credit alone makes this card worth it
• How to potentially get multiple Chase Sapphire Reserve cards with fees waived on all of them

Major Card Updates:

• Enhanced earning rates: 4X points on flights and hotels booked directly (up from 3X)
• New $300 dining credit for Chase Sapphire Reserve exclusive tables
• Changes to the Chase Travel Portal: goodbye 1.5¢ per point, hello selective 2¢ "Points Boost"
• New credits: $300 StubHub, $120 DoorDash annual credit, Apple TV+ and Apple Music through 2027

Rule Changes That Open New Opportunities:

• Relaxed 5/24 rule - you might be eligible even if you've opened 5+ cards in 24 months
• Modified lifetime bonus restrictions with new application screening
• Ability to hold both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve simultaneously

Essential Military Travel Benefits:

• Primary rental car insurance (rare among credit cards)
• No foreign transaction fees for overseas assignments
• Priority Pass lounge access plus exclusive Chase Sapphire lounges
• $120 Global Entry credit every 4 years

• Episode 161: Complete military credit card benefits guide
• MLA Database: Check eligibility at MilitaryMoneyManual.com
• Learn how to Apply for Chase Sapphire Reserve: MilitaryMoneyManual.com
• Credit tracking apps: Max Rewards and Card Pointers
• Multiple CSR guide: multiple Chase Sapphire Reserves military

Whether you're stationed overseas, PCSing frequently, or just want to maximize your travel rewards without paying annual fees, this episode explains why the Chase Sapphire Reserve remains the top recommendation for military families in 2025.

Bonus episode! Target is offering 10% off twice for verified military families!

Here's a quick episode were Jamie shares everything you need to know to save big during this limited-time promotion. Whether you're prepping for a move or restocking your household essentials, this discount is an easy win.

🗓️ Promo Details:

• What: 10% discount at Target—available twice
• When: June 22 through July 4 (verify in your app—some say July 5)
• Who: Military members, veterans, and eligible family members
• Where: Online, in-store, or in-app purchases

📱 How to Get Verified:

• Create a Target Circle account (free—no credit card required)
• Go to “My Target” tab → tap settings icon → select Military Verification
• Upload required documents if needed (e.g., LES, DD-214)
• Verification may be instant or take up to 24 hours

💡 Tips for Maximizing the Discount:

• Use it on big-ticket items you need anyway- don't spend extra to save 10%
• Plan around PCS season and back-to-school shopping
• Combine with:
• Target Circle offers
• Target RedCard (debit card version recommended) 5% discount
• Price match (except in Alaska & Hawaii)
• Watch for Veterans Day promos in late October–mid-November

🔗 Mentioned Resources & Links:

• Target Military Discount Info
• Target Circle
• Military Status Verification Portal

The Department of Defense or any other DOD Component does not approve, endorse, or authorize this company, its products or services.

For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call.

Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE!

If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email [email protected].

If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com.

I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

What do you get when you combine a passion for service, a pivot to medicine, and a mastery of money? In this episode, Army doctor Pritish Sahoo breaks down how he leveraged military programs to fund $700K in education—and built a real estate empire along the way.

Topics Covered:

• Pivot from engineering to medicine
• Navigating the HPSP (Health Professions Scholarship Program) and USUHS paths
• Real numbers: military pays, stipends, bonuses, and educational benefits available to military doctors
• Financial edge of military medicine vs. civilian practice
• Real estate investing as a service member: lessons, wins, and close calls
• Using the GI Bill and TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) strategically
• Building a $5M financial independence goal
• Advice for young officers and enlisted members starting their wealth journey
• How mentors and books shaped his approach to money and meaning

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Uniformed Services University (USUHS)
• HPSP Overview – Military Medicine Scholarships
• Pritish’s YouTube Channel: Pritish Sahoo
• Email Pritish: pritishsahoo50 (at) gmail . com

For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call.

Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE!

If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email [email protected].

If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com.

I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3.

The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.